SRINAGAR: BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur has launched a scathing attack on Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, accusing her of presiding over a complete collapse of the Union Territory’s public healthcare system. Thakur alleged that government hospitals, particularly SMHS Srinagar, are buckling under systemic failure, worsened by favouritism in staffing.

“Hospitals across Kashmir are collapsing under the weight of negligence and mismanagement. Blue-eyed junior doctors close to the ruling dispensation are being pushed to the brink, while senior doctors are nowhere to be seen. If this isn’t institutional failure, what is?” Thakur said in a strongly worded statement. He said that under Sakeena Itoo’s leadership, the health sector has deteriorated rapidly, marked by absenteeism, overcrowded emergency wards, and unbearable delays in basic care. Thakur questioned the minister’s priorities, claiming she was more interested in optics than outcomes.

“This is not governance—it’s abandonment. If she cannot fix the rot in her department, she should resign and let someone competent take charge.” Thakur demanded a high-level audit of staff attendance, resource distribution, and operational efficiency in government hospitals. He claimed the Health Department has become a safe haven for inefficiency and complacency.

Turning his criticism towards the National Conference (NC), Thakur blamed the party’s style of functioning for J&K’s long-standing institutional decay. “It is this type of immoral and coterie-based selfish politics of the NC that has ruined Jammu and Kashmir in the past. Omar Abdullah talks about statehood—perhaps he needs it back to protect this same ecosystem of nepotism and failure.”

He pointed to widespread reports from hospitals like SMHS, where patients are enduring long queues, overworked junior staff, and missing consultants, calling it a reflection of deepening institutional rot. As public dissatisfaction grows, Thakur said, the government must act swiftly to restore faith in the healthcare system and hold accountable those responsible for its current state.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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